BGSU Observatory

The Observatory houses a computer-operated DFM reflecting telescope with
a half-meter (20-inch) primary mirror.
The telescope is equipped with a First Magnitude CCD camera, a
highly-sensitive electronic camera for photographing and measuring the
brightness and color of stars and other astronomical objects. The telescope
can also be used for visual observing or with a 35-mm camera for film
photography. The Observatory is located on the roof of the Physical Sciences
Laboratory Building.

The 0.5-meter telescope is used for instruction in most
astronomy courses. Introductory students
look through the telescope as part of
stargazing sessions and view
images taken with the telescope in classes in the planetarium.
Advanced students in Observational Astronomy or independent study
courses gain hands-on experience and learn modern observing and
image processing techniques.
Students and faculty also use the telescope for observational research
projects.

The Observatory maintains a sky deck and several portable
telescopes used along with the 0.5-meter telescope during
stargazing sessions for
introductory astronomy students and the general public.

The Observatory is open to the public for stargazing and viewing through
the 0.5-meter telescope during the academic year following the weekend
planetarium shows, weather permitting. For more information and a current
schedule, visit the Planetarium
home page.